Insects in the Garden 337 



and use of white hellebore. What cautions should the gardener 

 take in using these three poisons ? 



How do cutworms injure plants ? What are the three most im- 

 portant methods of fighting them ? How is poison bran mash made ? 



In what stage is the striped cucumber beetle most injurious to 

 crops ? What are the five most important ways of controlling it ? 



How do the sucking insects feed? How does this method 

 of feeding injure the plant ? How are they most easily destroyed ? 

 How do aphids feed? What is "Black Leaf 40"? How is 

 nicotine sulfate prepared? How is kerosene emulsion prepared? 

 Describe the proper way of spraying to kill aphids. Give, briefly, 

 the life history of the common squash bug. What are the two 

 most effective ways of controlling it ? How does the calico-back 

 cabbage bug injure the plants? What three methods are used 

 in combating it ? 



Where do the burrowing insects live? What, in general, are 

 the most effective methods of controlling them? Describe the 

 main events in the life history of the radish maggot. What are 

 the five best methods of combating this insect ? Describe the 

 appearance and activities of the squash borer. What methods 

 may be used to keep it in check? What should be done if the 

 European corn borer is found in your garden ? 



Things to Do and Observe 



i. To become familiar with the four stages in the life history of 

 an insect. Watch your cabbage plants for the appearance of the 

 cabbage butterfly. When you see one hovering over the plants, try 

 to find the egg after the butterfly has gone. Examine it carefully, 

 with a hand lens if possible, so that you may be able to recognize 

 others as soon as you sec them. Watch the larvae and try to 

 determine how long it takes to grow from the egg to the pupal 

 stage. When you have found a chrysalid, carefully remove it 

 without crushing and place it in a small box covered with netting 

 or cheesecloth. Look at it from time to time until the adult 

 butterfly emerges. Note whether the butterfly is male or female. 



In the same way try to recognize the four stages of as many 

 other garden insects as possible. In some cases you may not be 

 able to find all four stages. Become thoroughly familiar, however, 

 with those you do find ; and note particularly in which stage each 

 insect is most destructive. 



